Passengers were held up for about an hour on the British side and 30 minutes on the French side on Tuesday, French news agency AFP reported.

A Eurotunnel spokesman said: “There was some damage to our fences – which we’ll have to repair – as they tried to board shuttles.

“Fortunately, there wasn’t any damage to shuttles. Unfortunately, a number of people were injured.

“It is an almost nightly occurrence – we’re trying to run a travel business here.”

He added: “This is an issue that is really for the government to sort out. We need them to stop the migrant flow from Calais but it appears to be too much for them to handle.”

The company advised anyone planning a day-trip to France via its passenger service to postpone their travel because of long delays.

Eurotunnel is seeking compensation from the British and French governments for disruption caused by illegal migrants.

Home secretary Theresa May announced that Britain will provide an extra £7 million to help further improve security at the railhead in Coquelles, near Calais.

The funding is on top of £12 million for increased Channel port security last year.

May said: “The French and UK governments are working in close collaboration and cooperation on this issue which affects us both.

“We are both clear that we need to ensure we are dealing with the terrible criminal gangs, the people smugglers, who are making a profit out of the human misery of many people.”

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